why make this recipe
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken is an easy and tasty dish that everyone loves. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or casual family dinners. With minimal prep, you can let your crockpot do the work while you go about your day. The combination of juicy chicken and sweet, tangy barbecue sauce makes a comforting meal. Plus, you can use the pulled chicken in various dishes, from sandwiches to salads.
how to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (We love sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (I use this fat-free one)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if you prefer it less sweet)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- First, liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or for less mess, use a disposable liner.
- Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, place the lid on the crockpot, and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Once fully cooked, you can either serve the chicken whole or use two forks to shred it. Shredding it right in the crockpot allows the chicken to soak up all the extra marinade and BBQ sauce.
- Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or enjoy it on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!
how to serve The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
The pulled chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it on soft sandwich buns for a classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwich. You can also top a salad for a healthy meal option or use it as a filling for tacos. The juicy chicken pairs well with rice or can be enjoyed as a main dish on its own with some sides like coleslaw or corn.
how to store The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the bags with the date for easy reference.
tips to make The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- For a leaner option, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of brown sugar or omitting it completely.
- Feel free to add more spices to suit your taste, such as paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Always check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it is safe to eat.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by changing the barbecue sauce to your favorite flavor. You can also try adding different dressings or spices for a unique twist. For a zesty kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but cooking time may need to be adjusted. It might take an extra hour or so to reach the safe internal temperature.
Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker instead?
Yes, you can make this dish in a pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.
What other dishes can I make with pulled chicken?
There are many options! Use it for BBQ Chicken Pizza, Chicken Nachos, or in a Chicken Quesadilla. The possibilities are endless!
The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken
An easy and tasty dish with juicy chicken and sweet, tangy BBQ sauce, perfect for busy weekdays or casual family dinners.
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (like Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (fat-free recommended)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a disposable liner.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place them in the crockpot.
- Add BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to a medium bowl and whisk until combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, cover, and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once fully cooked, serve whole or shred in the crockpot for maximum flavor absorption.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot, bbq chicken, pulled chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal